hether you’re heading off to
the lake or sitting poolside
with your favourite chilled
drink, this summer issue of
Fine Homes Saskatoon is a must-read.

What are your summer plans? RVing has certainly evolved over the
years, and we examine this closer in this issue’s cover story. At Kehoe
RV you will discover the true luxury that can be had with their state-ofthe-art RVs. Discover the possibilities with a luxury home on wheels!

If you’re staying close to home this year, be sure to spend a day on Valley
Road. From fruit and flowers, to sports and adventure, and a delicious
meal in between, Valley Road is home to some of the greatest gems our
city has to offer.
There are some things best left to the professionals. We take a look
at reasons why letting the pros do their job is worth it (for starters, it
saves you money, time and a nasty headache). As usual, the pages of
our magazine are filled with Saskatoon’s best — what will you discover
this time?
We at Fine Homes wish all of you a fantastic summer.
Contributing Writers

Fine Homes Saskatoon is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. We reserve
the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We
reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement.
All contents of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2014 with all rights
reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Homes, where copyright
resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without
the written permission of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Homes
Saskatoon, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of
the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein
are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions
of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained
herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any
particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely
information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the
date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should
act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough
examination of the particular situation.
Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060
Return Undeliverables to: 3440 Balsam Grove; Regina, Sask; S4V 1H1

Mike has a “Buyers in Waiting” System
Mike’s data base of “Buyers In Waiting” has hundreds of “Pre-approved
Buyers” that are ready to buy when they see the home that meets their needs
and wants . . . Yours may just be that one.
You don’t want to just list your home. You want a buyer for your home.
Well Mike may have a buyer for your home before it ever hits the market!
Mike is so confident that he can find a buyer for your home, that he guarantees
it: your home sold at a price acceptable to you or he will buy it himself.

Mike’s guarantee sale program works like this:
1. Mike will market your home aggressively to our special data base of
buyers.
2. In the unlikely event that your home does not sell by the end of the
marketing term... if you wish, Mike will step in and buy it himself.
3. When he buys your home at your price, you:
Make no repairs . . . Sell as is . . . NO GIMMICKS

For details and sellers comments, go to www.mikeshappysellers.info
Or call Mike at 306.668.1800 to arrange for a personal interview.

contents
SUMMER 2014

HOMES AND PROPERTIES
8

How to Choose Your New Home Builder

COVER
38

KEHOE RV: Your Luxury Home on Wheels

SPECIAL FEATURE:
VALLEY ROAD
50

The Valley Road Experience

INNER BEAUTY
58

50

38
58

REVIVING YOUR HOME: Re-purposed
and Recycled Items for Inside and Out

DREAM KITCHENS
71

COUNTER INTUITIVE: 5 Styles to
Tune Into

BED AND BATH
76

HIS & HER: Creating the Ideal Bedroom
for Both of You

OUTDOOR LIVING
AND LANDSCAPES
82

An Outdoor Oasis

IMPROVEMENTS AND
RENOVATIONS
86

Why Hire a Professional?

REALTOR DIRECTORY
94

Some of Saskatoon’s Best Realtors

SERVICES DIRECTORY
96

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SASKATOON & AREA BUSINESSES:
Ready to Serve You

The possibilities are endless.
So are the savings.

SASKATOON
Learn more by requesting your FREE Idea Kit
and a FREE Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pass to a showroom near you.

Call 1 877 683 3940
Visit www.directbuysaskatoon.ca
FineHomes

Saskatoon

7

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW

HOME BUILDER
BY TORI STAFFORD

8

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Saskatoon

When you choose to build a new home from the ground
up, it’s most likely because you want that house to be
everything you’ve dreamed of, that will become a home
that suits your needs, wraps you in comfort, and allows
you to sleep securely – both physically and mentally.

B

uilding your own home is a huge
project that is both deeply personal
and highly emotional, so it is
important to select your builder
early, and to do so as carefully as you would
selecting different aspects of your home; after
all, your builder is someone you’ll be dealing
with on a near-daily basis through the whole
process, and the one who will ensure your
dream house becomes a reality.
Knowing the style and price range you
want to build in is key. This is the first step
to narrowing down the array of builders
available to you, because youíll want to
choose a company that has experience
building homes similar to what you are
looking for.
Secondly, youíll want to have a good idea of
where you want to build. This is important
because you may want to work with your
builder in selecting your build site, and even
if you are looking for a builder with your
site already secured, it is important to pick a
builder that is familiar with building in that
area. Those who have experience building
locally are most likely to have existing
relationships with top local sub-trades
workers, and also know the local legalities
and residential building code specifics.
Next, youíll want to consider the experience
and reputation a builder has. Look at past
projects, and ask potential builders if they
can refer you to any of their past clients —
most builders are proud of their reputation
and will be eager to show you what they are
capable of. If you can, speak to a past client
or two, and find out what their experience
building was like. Ask if their home was
built on time and on budget, what the

builder was like to deal with on a day-today basis, and if they’ve had any issues
since taking ownership. You can also ask
your building candidate if you can visit one
of their current work sites, so that you can
experience their crews in action and get a
sense of how their company operates.
Additionally, those builders with strong,
long-standing reputations are also those that
are most likely to be still standing strong
when and if warranty needs arise in your
new home.
Warranties are another point youíll want
to consider when choosing a builder.
According to the Canadian Home Builder’s
Association, there are a number of warranty
varieties available in Saskatchewan — they
suggest searching out a builder that provides
written warranty plans to best suit your
short and long term needs. Discuss aftersales services, and what potential builders
provide to ensure your investment is sound
and as hassle-free as possible.
In the end, and perhaps most importantly,
you need to make sure you choose the
builder that will work best with and
for you. Chances are, if you donít feel like
you can communicate freely and openly
with your builder, you won’t, and thus,
you become less in control of your build,
and less likely to end up with the home
of your dreams. Make sure your builder
shares your vision, and will also keep
your budget constantly in mind — those
are the most important parts of ensuring
your home is built exactly as you wanted,
without financial woes now and in
the future.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Open concept floor plan
Kitchen has large granite island with sink
Fully finished 24’ X 24’ garage
Large deck
Move-in ready for June
Very large yard

$399,000

Every StandOut Home comes with a Home
Owners’ Manual enclosed in a beautiful solid
wood binder which includes house plans,
appliance manuals and warranties, schedules
for painting, flooring and lighting as well as
home maintenance tips. As well, each new
home owner will be supplied with a 6-inch
base tree of their choice.

great home requires a strong,
solid foundation, and to build
a good, resilient foundation
requires experience, skill and
careful work. Dean Geransky, owner of
Precision Foundations in Warman, has
been working in the concrete industry
for over 25 years. In 1996, he founded
Precision Foundations and over the 18
years the company has been in business,
it has gained a reputation for doing

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quality work in a timely fashion with great
customer service.
While all foundations serve the same
purpose — that is, to ensure your home’s
structural integrity — not all foundations
are equal. As a homeowner, you can often
see whether the walls of your foundation
are straight, square and level, just as
you can observe any rock pockets or
voids. However, what you cannot tell by

looking is what type of concrete and how
much reinforcing steel was used in the
construction of your foundation. You
have to be able to trust your contractor;
you want to work with a well-established
company with experienced workers and a
stellar reputation. Precision Foundations is
just such a company.
“Prairie Lane Builders has been working
with Precision Foundations for over seven

years. We have been very happy with
the quality of the work they do as well as
with their ability to stay on time and on
budget, providing accurate and detailed
quotes,” says Menno Martens. “Precision
Foundations is capable of doing any type
of foundation, including unusual shapes,
spilt levels and walk out foundations. You
can count on Precision Foundations for
great, reliable service.”
Precision Foundations is a company that
lives up to its name. Their experienced
workforce will take care of everything
from the initial groundwork to cleaning
up the site afterwards. They will return to
the site after the dirt has had time to settle,
and they will ensure the dirt around the
foundation is properly sloped away from
your house so that water will drain away
from the foundation. In short, Precision
Foundations does careful, precise work
and provides its clients with an exceptional
level of customer service.
Because Precision Foundations is a small
company, they are able to customize their
service to suit their clients’ needs and
tastes. Unlike with larger, impersonal
companies where you only have contact
with the workers on the site, with
Precision Foundations homeowners and
homebuilders alike can speak with the
company’s owner about any questions they
may have and know their concerns will be
addressed in a timely manner.
Not only does Precision Foundations
pour new foundations for homes and
office buildings, they also repair cracks in
existing foundations, pour foundations for
home renovations and additions, supply
gravel for driveways and topsoil for yards,
and do landscaping and pile drilling.
Whatever your needs, give Precision
Foundations a call today for a free, no
obligation quote because all great homes
start from below the ground up!
L-R Dean Geransky (owner) & Marv Righi

TEAM TURNER: The Power To Move You
Hal and Ashley are pleased to
exclusively represent one of
Saskatoon's most innovative and
concise new home builders:
ELLANEY DEVELOPMENTS INC.
Modern design and competitive
pricing make Ellaney Developments

Be it your ďŹ rst or ďŹ nal, it CAN be your dream home!
Three homes available in beautiful Evergreen and three in Kensington, one of Saskatoon's newest neighbourhoods.
These homes are priced to sell. Each feature thousands in upgrades and priced below appraised value. Call team
Turner today to learn about these or any custom built homes we have to offer.
Looking for a revenue property opportunity? Each available home is zoned and built ready for a legal suite.

Homes, A La Carte
306.880.2737 | WWW.ELLANEY.COM

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Staged

to Sell

You wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to a job interview without putting your best foot forward, so why would it be
any different when selling your home? A small investment of time (and a few dollars) in your
home will not only increase your return, but help your home sell sooner. My listing services
include a consult with a professional stager, combined with professional
photography to help you put your best home on the market.

f you are one of the millions of
Canadians who hold a mortgage,
you may have noticed your financial
institution offering you a chance to
skip a mortgage payment. As enticing as
this may seem, there are a few things you
should think about before taking that
payment “vacation.”
If you hold a high-ratio mortgage secured
by either CMHC or Genworth Financial
Canada, you’ll need to look into the specific
guidelines that both institutions have in place
regarding skipping mortgage payments.
Even though your financial institution
offers the option to take a break from your
mortgage payment, the type of mortgage
you hold may mean you’re not eligible.
Additionally, your mortgage needs to be
current and up to date. If you’ve fallen

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behind in your payments, skipping the
next one won’t be an option for you.
Let’s say you don’t hold a high-ratio
mortgage, and you have been diligent in
keeping your mortgage payments up to
date. What harm can come from skipping
a payment?
Although taking a payment vacation can
give you increased cash flow in the shortterm —whether it’s for a life-changing
event like going back to school or taking a
much-deserved vacation — it’s important
to understand how this will affect you in
the long-term.
Skipping a mortgage payment results in
interest capitalization. This means that
while you benefit from the temporary
extra cash flow, the accumulated interest is
actually added back onto the outstanding
principal of your mortgage. When your
mortgage is up for renewal, your monthly
payment will need to be adjusted so that
your mortgage stays on track and doesn’t
exceed your original amortization.

The end result? Depending on interest rates
when you renew your mortgage and if you
made any prepayments on your mortgage
sometime during that term, you may be
faced with an increase to your regular
monthly payment for the next whole term
of your mortgage. The short-term gain
may not be worth the long-term pain.
All things considered, it’s important to
keep your personal financial goals in
mind. Instead of taking the plunge right
away and signing up to skip a payment,
take some time to talk to your mortgage
specialist. He or she can give you the
information and advice you need based
on your unique circumstances so that you
can choose what’s best for you.
Whether you’re considering taking a
payment vacation, purchasing your first
home, building the home of your dreams
or anything in between, you can count on
the mortgage experts at Affinity Credit
Union to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today!

You don’t need to golf
to enjoy this home

FINE HOMES LTD

Features of this spectacular show home include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

2,100 sq. ft. per level
12' tray ceiling in dining room
14' coffered ceiling in great room
gorgeous feature wall in master suite
14 x 18' media room in walk-out basement
lighting and sound by SuRe InnoVations
situated off the end of the water trap on hole 10

FINE HOMES LTD

639.471.8898
kevin@sectionsixfinehomes.com | sectionsixfinehomes.com

AVAILABLE SUMMER 2014
Call to view 218 Augusta Drive at The Legends Golf Club in Warman
FineHomes

Saskatoon

19

T e d C aw k w e l l

An Expert In The Field
By Trina annand Photos Country Memories

S

askatchewan was built on
the principles of hard work,
determination and resilience.
With the shifting economy these
values are more important than ever. The
new focus of the economy has led many
family farms to evaluate their future, as
they decide whether to expand or shut
down. When choosing to buy or sell land
in the province, one name stands out as a
leader in the field: RE/MAX®, the number
one real estate company world-wide.
Realtor Ted Cawkwell is a rising star in the

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company’s ranks, using his unique blend
of experience and customer service to find
the perfect agricultural property or price
for his clients.
Having grown up on a generational farm
near Nut Mountain, Cawkwell learned
what it takes to run a farm from the
bottom up. “Through farming I learned
a very strong work ethic and developed
a strong character built on integrity and
honesty,” states Cawkwell. His road to real
estate led him through many different
agriculture- and people-related industries,

which continually added to the experience
he now brings to each and every client.
“I worked as a farmer, with farmers and
for farmers, so I understand the farming
industry, the business model and all
aspects of the agriculture industry. I am
not your average realtor in many ways.
My experience and background gives me
a unique perspective,” remarks Cawkwell.
Equally comfortable in a suit and tie,
or jeans and a ball cap, the realtor
dedicates himself to each and every client,
whether they are a local farmer or a large

corporation. “My clients are my number
one priority. I travel 6,000 kilometres in
a month for them. Working with local
clients or investors, my goals are the
same: to make them feel understood
and important, providing them with
whatever support they need,” notes
Cawkwell. To ensure superior service for
his clients, the realtor has two assistants
so he can focus exclusively on getting a
job done, down to the very last detail - a
winning approach made evident by his
many awards, including becoming the
11th-ranking commercial realtor for
RE/MAX® in Canada for 2013.
Trust, honesty and hard work are the
realtor’s guiding principles for ensuring
success, and these attributes also extend
to Cawkwell’s charitable efforts. Donating
to charities of a client’s choice for sales,
purchases and referrals, the realtor even
hosts an annual childrens’ fishing event.
He is continually focused on making the
province a better place anyway he can.
Whether buying or selling farmland, trust
Cawkwell to provide exemplary customer
service, ensuring you the best value, the
best experience and the best results. Ted
Cawkwell is an expert in his field — let
him be an expert in yours.

“You are seriously
the most professional
realtor I have ever
encountered. Glad you
are on our side.”

“Thank you very much
for everything. You
made this as easy as
possible for us and we
couldn’t have done it
without your help.You
are one amazing real
estate agent.”
Sarah Hardy (Seller)

“Nice job, Ted. I
like your commitment
to service and
information.”
Greg Traweer (Buyer)

RIGHT A history in agriculture - Four generations
of Farmers - Ted with his dad and grandpa and
great grandpa on both sides of his family.

FineHomes

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21

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Location and LifestyLe:

Grasswood
E s t at E s
By Tonya Lambert Photos Heather Fritz

I

magine stepping out onto your patio
to enjoy a cup of coffee in the early
morning. The sweet chirping of birds
can be heard. The smell of fragrant
flowers fills the air. Your eyes travel across
your attractive green lawn to your garden
overflowing with healthy, tasty vegetables and
berries, up above the spreading branches of
the sheltering trees to take in the breathtaking
beauty of a Saskatchewan sunrise. This is the
life; this is Grasswood Estates.
Located just minutes south of Saskatoon on
Preston Avenue and Baker Road, Grasswood
Estates is an exciting new luxury acreage
development that combines the pleasures
and peacefulness of country living with easy
access to the many services and businesses
found in the city. Grasswood Estates is
just a quick four-minute drive from the
professional offices, restaurants and retail
outlets in Stonebridge. In less than 10
minutes, you can be in the heart of the city
via Highway 11, Lorne Avenue, Clarence
Avenue or the south bridge. As well, it is only
a short drive to several major golf courses.
This up-scale acreage development will
eventually house 78 families. The first phase
of development is underway with 42 lots
now on offer, ranging in size from 1.29 to
4.85 acres and priced from $274,900 to
$349,900. Such spacious lotsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the average
lot is 2.25 acresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;mean that each family will

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23

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enjoy plenty of privacy and restful solitude
without being isolated. Large lots are ideal
for those who love gardening and the
outdoors with plenty of room to store all
your toys, from boats to RVs, snowmobiles
to ATVs. Of course, there is also more than
enough room for entertaining guests at
weekend barbeques.
Each lot in Grasswood Estates is fully
serviced by SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel
and City of Saskatoon water. There will be
curb-side garbage pick-up, and mail will
be delivered to the gate of the community.
Residents will benefit from the hardsurfaced, chip-sealed roadways that wind
throughout the estates and two attractive
concrete tile pillars with addresses that
will mark the approach to each lot. Every
approach has a culvert built into it.
Building is just beginning on the first
homes with the first family moving in early
this summer. A show home is expected
to be in place by late this fall. In order to
protect property values, architectural
guidelines have been put into place along
with agricultural controls. All projects will
be approved by the board of developers.
Grasswood Estates is being developed by
an experienced development corporation
that has been creating successful
residential projects for over a decade.
Reputable builders in the Saskatoon area
are encouraged to learn about the building
incentives at Grasswood Estates.
It is rare that children who live in an
acreage development are able to walk
to school. However, children living in
Grasswood Estates will be able to do just
that by following the walkway to South
Corman Park School, where the classroom
size is expected to be small (about 20),
meaning that students will receive more
individual attention and better learning
opportunities. The walkway will provide
children with more exercise and additional
opportunities to socialize and develop

friendships with neighbouring children.
It also means less stress for parents, who
will not need to worry about dropping off
and picking up their children from school
every day.
In addition to the walkway leading to the
school, there will be many other trails
throughout the development. Indeed,
there will be 3.3 kilometres of trails in all:
perfect for a relaxing evening stroll or an
invigorating early morning jog. The trails
can be used for cycling in the summer
and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Gazebos will be located at convenient
intervals for those wanting to sit and rest
for a moment.
These trails will wander through the
woods and wetlands of the community.
There are 25 acres of wetlands found in the
development, including a 12-acre natural
pond and a 15-acre manmade pond, which
combine beauty with functionality (storm
water and spring run-off management)
as well as recreational opportunities. The
ponds are ideal for canoeing, kayaking,
paddling and skating while the wetlands
are a great place to go bird-watching.
Paddling across the tranquil water of the
pond in your canoe alongside your loving
partner, you pause momentarily. A frog
croaks. A dragonfly hovers nearby. You
watch as just above the horizon the sky
turns pink and orange and the first few
evening stars begin to twinkle. This is the
life; this is Grasswood Estates.

Attention Homeowners:
Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade
on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and
outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. Suncoast Screen Enclosures will custom
build your louvered roof as an addition to your home/business or as its own freestanding patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain
runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by
a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers
slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into
your home.
Suncoast Screen Enclosures offers a screened-in, outdoor area that allows you to enjoy
your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space.

Real Estate: The Career For You?
Many people who begin their real estate careers struggle, not because they do not
care about their customers, but because they do not have the resources to provide
what their customers need. The GUSTUS GROUP has been helping buyers and
sellers for over 22 years. In that time, we have developed a service system that
addresses the needs of the customers.

The GUSTUS GROUP system has been structured so that the agent:
•
•
•
•

has no advertising costs
has no desk fees
has access to the many in-house services that are available to the
GUSTUS GROUP customers
receives leading-edge training from Mike Gustus, a coach with the
#1 real estate sales training organization in North America

I enjoy the opportunity to help others succeed. For anyone who has considered
making a change in their career, contact me at mike@gustusgroup.com, or
check out the website at www.sellmorehomesnow.ca.

Attention Real Estate Agents!
There is NO reason for you to go another day without a steady stream
of quality buyer and seller prospects.
•

Call me at 306.221.4785 for a discreet discussion about this opportunity, or
email me at mike@gustusgroup.com.

FineHomes

Saskatoon

27

Resurface and Beautify
Your Existing Floor
By Tori Stafford

Y

our home is your castle and
you want every aspect of it to
shine — and that includes the
floors and surfaces you tread
upon daily. EverStone Saskatchewan offers
the ideal solution for both esthetically
beautiful and incredibly durable flooring
— indoors and out.
The first company to bring the EverStone
product to Canada, EverStone Saskatchewan
is the go-to place for innovative resurfacing
and unique stone flooring, ideal in a variety
of applications — from the floors in your

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laundry room, to your entire pool surround
and backyard patio.
EverStone products are created in the
United States, and use a blend of natural
North American stone and propriety
epoxy resin. Tested and developed
in Ohio for over a decade, EverStone
products are designed based on customer
satisfaction, and have proven to stand up
to regular wear and tear, severe climate
conditions and the test of time. That’s
why John Ermel and Colson Langley, coowners of EverStone Saskatchewan knew

right away that EverStone was a product
they could honestly stand behind, and be
proud to bring it to their home province
as the exclusive dealers for the company
in all of Canada.
Available in a wide variety of colour
combinations and textures, EverStone
products can be used to resurface almost
any structurally-sound surface. Because
EverStone floors are both durable and
easy to clean, they are ideal in recreational
rooms, such as the basement and the
garage. Their beauty and intricate, one-of-

a-kind designs allow EverStone floors to make
a statement in bathrooms or kitchens.
“Besides extending the life of your hard
surfaces, it can also beautify and add value to
your home,” says Ermel.
“If you regularly get water in your basement,
with our product, you only have to vacuum
up the water and the flooring doesn’t have
to be replaced. It doesn’t mold or peel, lift or
discolour like carpet or tile... and it doesn’t
have fibres like carpet that hold in allergens
such as animal dander, dirt or food particles,”
Ermel adds.
EverStone flooring is meticulously installed
to ensure a long life that eliminates uneven
surfaces responsible for safety concerns and
eyesores. In outdoor applications, such as
driveways or walkways, the porous consistency
of EverStone products allows water to be
absorbed, and either follow the natural
drainage path or evaporate. This helps to keep
surfaces free of standing water and reduces the
pooling or puddling of water, which can create
the danger of slips or falls.
Backed by EverStone Saskatchewan warranties,
which range from five years to a lifetime,
depending on the application, EverStone
products are extremely durable and can hold
up to 10,000 pounds per square inch, Ermel
explains. The installation process is easy on the
homeowner: the products emit little odour and
are not health-hazardous, and most floors are
ready to be used within 24 to 30 hours.

BEFORE

AFTER

Above all else, Ermel and Langley want
EverStone products to add value and beauty
to your home. They will work with each
individual client to ensure their products are
a good fit, and that every project surpasses
their clients’ expectations. “We want to build a
relationship with our customers, and we want
them to be as happy and proud of their new
flooring as we are,” Ermel says.

reating a dream home is
no small job; it takes a
dedicated team and creative
thinking. The modern dream
home seamlessly combines traditional
craftsmanship and modern world
technologies. For more than 30 years,
ROCY Homes has been creating homes
that stand the test of time with old-world
charm and using the best quality materials

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possible, while completely integrating the
client’s wishes. Owner Dave Dyck and his
team are designing and building custom
homes that will last for generations to
come and are certainly one of a kind.
ROCY is always looking for new ways
to make their homes more efficient and
of the highest quality. “We have always
focused on building energy-efficient
homes. We are a certified R2000 builder

and build ENERGY STAR ® homes as
well. Our goal is to build the best possible
home, something that will retain its value,
and be one of the nicest houses in the
neighbourhood for decades to come,”
notes Dyck.
As part of their philosophy of longevity,
ROCY is always adding new technologies
to their homebuilding portfolio. This
includes systems such as “Smart Home

for traditional power, which is especially
important since SaskPower will be
introducing a 10.5 per cent rate increase
over the next two years.

Automation,” geothermal heating and
cooling, and now PV and thermal solar.
Home automation is more than audio,
theatre and security systems: it offers
convenience, comfort and control of your
home by monitoring energy consumption
(and thus reducing utility costs),
controlling lighting, heating and cooling.
Through a partnership with Sound Solar
Systems Inc., ROCY is now able to offer
their clients a more sustainable way of
life. ROCY offers clients anything from
a fully self-sustaining home to a home
that is simply designed “solar ready”
for a future investment. Adding solar
alternatives reduces or even cuts the need

“If you’re looking to lock in your power
rates, then the solution rises every
morning. Solar energy adds resale value
to your home. When the power rate goes
up, so does your home’s value,” remarks
James Dennis, president of Sound
Solar. The energy output of 1Kw of solar
energy is roughly equivalent to burning
170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of
carbon dioxide being released into the
atmosphere. Looking at the numbers,
solar energy is the easy choice. Dyck
invests in technology such as solar energy
and ground heat pumps in his own home,
providing real results for clients to see.
“It is only going to be a matter of time
before we absolutely need to focus
on renewable energy. Environmental
responsibility should be everyone’s
concern. We’ve got the sun — why not
capitalize on it? It’s much easier to design
and build a home with renewable energy

in mind, than to retrofit a home after it is
built,” says Dyck.
By creating homes tailored to their client’s
needs and lifestyle, ROCY Homes is
ensuring a brighter future for Saskatoon
and area. From picking the perfect lot, to
putting the finishing touches on a home,
ROCY understands the unique position
Saskatchewan finds itself in as a fuelproducing province. Dyck points out,
“Our goal is not based on the number of
homes we build, rather on designing and
constructing energy-efficient homes of
high quality. Solar energy is something
that will improve life for not only our
clients, but benefit the world we leave for
our children, and grandchildren.”
Rocy Homes Ltd.
629B Main Street East
Saskatoon
306.242.8600
www.rocy.com
Sound Solar Systems Inc.
306.586.2308
Kronau
www.soundsolar.ca

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31

ExpErt
Advice
How to
Choose a Real
Estate Agent

agent have any additional ‘special
designations’ that show particular
areas of expertise and a commitment
to ongoing education?

hether you are looking to
buy a new home or sell
your existing one, the
process will likely be one
of the largest financial transactions you
will ever undertake. Thus, it is especially
important that you have the best real estate
agent possible to assist you.
There are many things to consider when
choosing a real estate agent and these
will vary, depending on whether you are
buying or selling a home.
• QuAlifiCAtions: Do not be
afraid to ask an agent to list their
professional qualifications. What
training have they had? Does the

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• ExpERiEnCE: You want an agent
who has lots of experience, particularly
with homes in your price range and
area. Inquire about the agent’s past
sales success and ask specific questions.
For example, what percentage of their
properties sold? On average, how
long does it take for them to sell a
property? How often are they able to
sell a property at or near the asking
price? How familiar with the city is the
agent? A realtor who is aware of the
city’s growth patterns can advise best
on particular properties.
• REfEREnCEs: Ask the agent to
provide you with references from
former clients. Check these references.
Do not be afraid to ask whether the
agent has had any problems with
clients in the past. Also, check with the
local realty association or provincial
licensing board to see if any complaints
have been filed against that agent.
• ConnECtions: The more connections a real estate agent has, the
better situated they are to assist you.
Agents who belong to a long-standing,
reputable firm − like CENTURY 21 −
with a wide network of professional
contacts are better able to assist their

clients with a multitude of issues, from
getting a mortgage to choosing a home
inspector to finding a suitable lawyer.
Large firms also have more resources
in terms of money for advertising and
other agents to promote your property.
Established firms also offer its agents
support from all angles, ensuring each
client’s questions or concerns are addressed efficiently, giving them the deserved attention at all times.
• CommuniCAtion: Communication is the key when buying or selling
real estate. Give a prospective agent a
tour of your home and ask them how
they would undertake to sell it. Whom
will they target? How and where will
they market your property? What suggestions does the agent have for increasing your home’s value and appeal?
How much time will the agent be able
to devote to you? Does the agent work
full-time or part-time? How flexible
are the agent’s hours? Are they willing
to work according to your schedule?
How readily available is the agent to
answer questions or submit an offer?
How often will the agent provide you
with updates?
Approach choosing a real estate
agent as though you are hiring an
employee − because that is exactly
what you are doing.

WHO’S DESIGNING
YOUR NEXT HOME?
WE ARE THE DESIGN
SPECIALISTS FOR:
Saskatoon’s Best
Home Builders
•
Private Home Owners
•
Cottages

uxurious golf communities are
designed to give residents a
safe, quiet and private place to
live where they can partake of
their favourite pastime with like-minded
neighbours. Some golf communities
are solely focussed on the golf course,
while in others the course is only one
aspect of the neighbourhood. Some golf
communities are primarily composed of
older professionals and retired people,
while others are family-oriented.
Indeed, a surprising number of people who
live in golf communities do not golf; they
choose the upscale lifestyle and the safe
neighbourhood. Located in suburban areas
of a city, golf communities are quiet places
to live, away from the busy, noisy sections
of downtown. Residents like the privacy
that is afforded by not having any backyard

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neighbours and enjoy the benefits of living in
a small community while still being close to
all the amenities of city life.
Increasingly, developers of golf communities
are including other recreational facilities,
such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, spa,
fitness facility and walking trails. Some
communities are even seeing the creation of
restaurants and specialty stores, providing
convenient places to eat and shop.
In the Saskatoon area, several golf
communities have been developed or are in
the processing of being built. For example,
just south of Saskatoon is the newlydeveloped Greenbryre, featuring a unique
12-hole aquatic golf course. Residents who
desire the fine lifestyle associated with living
in a golf community appreciate this highend and sought-after neighbourhood.

VISIT OUR
WEBSITE FOR
ALL CURRENT
INVENTORY

FEATURINg the latest from D&S Homes
34 Wright Manor in the established
neighbourhood of Arbor Creek. Get the
best of both worlds.
This home feaTures:
• a covered deck with composite boards
and glass
• hardwood floors throughout main
• maple cabinets and granite countertops
• custom tiled fireplace to ceiling
• walk-in closets
• master bath with heated floors and hisand-hers floating vanities

Greenbryre Luxury Golf Estates: Three new homes now
available. This magnificent 12-hole golf course has more
than 120 replanted mature trees and will feature five
ponds in the surrounding area. Make this community your
home for life.

By Tori Stafford
Photos Courtesy of Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region

I

n the land of 100,000 lakes,
Saskatchewan is rich in natural
freshwater bodies, making it an
ideal place for waterfront living. The
opportunities for both adventurous and
relaxing activities are seemingly endless.
Whether seasonal cottagers or year-round
residents, those in Saskatchewan who’ve
experienced the boundless beauty and
benefits agree: there’s nothing quite like
living at the lake.

Sparkling like gems in the sun or moon
of our enthralling skies, the lakes of
Saskatchewan are a secret to many, and ours
to discover, again and again. Almost right
in the middle of the province, Prince Albert
National Park is one of the most remarkable
treasures in the country and is surrounded
by, and marked with, lakes and waterways
too many to name. “There is so much to do in
this area,” says Tracey Desjardins, marketing
and sales manager with the Waskesiu and
Area Wilderness Region.
Desjardins points out the uniqueness of the
landscape in the area, where the grasslands
meet the Boreal Forest of Canada within the
Park. “It’s a transitional landscape. You have

two very different topographies meet in this
park, and that’s why it’s got such biodiversity
—such a wide range of animal species, flora
and fauna—which makes it very attractive
for people to visit.”
From Christopher and Emma to
Kingsmere and Crean, and Big River
to Anglin (which reportedly has the
highest loon population of anywhere in
Canada), the lakes of Saskatchewan in
this region alone offer some of the most
beautiful and attractive places for living
at the lake. “It’s one of the best secrets of
Saskatchewan that more and more people
are discovering,” says Desjardins. “There is
definitely something for everyone.”

Photos: Parks Canada
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Live the Life

YOU’VE ALWAYS

Dreamed of Living
by Tonya Lambert Photos Lisa Landrie

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O

wning an RV is the ultimate
freedom. You can travel
across the province, the
country, or even the
continent from coast-to-coast. You
can explore hidden wonders off the
beaten track or visit in person the many
attractions you have only seen in pictures.
Whether you spend your summer vacation
in your RV or live in it year-round, you
will experience a freedom and flexibility
like no other.
Kehoe RV in Saskatoon can help you
to make this dream a reality. Kehoe RV
has a huge range of new and used RVs
— motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel
trailers — to fit every family, every
lifestyle and every budget. With a large

variety of floor plans, interior décor
selections, exterior paint finishes and
many different optional features — from
a washer and dryer to outdoor kitchens
— your RV can be customized to suit
your tastes and needs.
Gone are the days of cramped campers and
outdoor toilets. Today’s RVs contain all the
amenities of home, including a bathroom
with a spacious shower, a kitchen with highend appliances, a separate master bedroom,
television, fireplace and so much more. The
open concept floor plans allow lots of room
in which to stretch out and entertain. Indeed,
an RV is really a home on wheels and an
increasing number of people are choosing to
live year-round in one, traveling south in the
winter to escape the cold.

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39

great deal of time outdoors, enjoying the
sunshine and beautiful landscapes. Having
your own kitchen with a microwave, stove
and oven in addition to the options of
barbequing or cooking over a campfire
means that you can prepare healthy meals
for a fraction of the cost of eating out in
restaurants all the time. In addition, the
large amount of storage space in an RV
means that you can take with you all the
items you may need, rather than having
to pick and choose. Best of all, you get
to sleep in your own bed with your own
sheets every single night.
If you are interested in joining the more
than 1.3 million North Americans
who full-time RV or the millions of
weekend warriors, Darryl, Kyle and their
knowledgeable, experienced and friendly
staff at Kehoe RV can help you get started.
Kehoe RV is a dealership you know you
can trust. They are the exclusive dealers
of Georgetown and Solitude luxury RVs
(which are pictured here) and also carry
a wide variety of brands from the leading
manufacturers. Their easily accessible lot
and large parts and accessories department
make it possible to drive through on your
way to the lake and pick up whatever you
need. A 6,000 sq. ft. service department
with five full-service bays gives their
technicians the space to fix everything
from minor adjustments to SGI collision
repairs on any size unit.
ABOVE Kyle Kehoe and Darryl Kehoe

Art Holmes, a salesperson at Kehoe RV,
says he and his wife have never regretted
their decision to sell their house and live
year-round in their luxurious 40’ fifth
wheel. “It’s just a great lifestyle,” explains
Art. “You have so much freedom and
you meet so many nice people. Everyone
is at the RV Park for the same reason —
to relax. There is lots of entertainment
available, enabling you to keep as busy as
you want. It is a good, relaxing lifestyle.
The only regret I may have is that I didn’t
do it 10 years earlier!”
Darryl Kehoe, co-owner of Kehoe RV
along with his brother Kyle, remembers
spending his childhood summers traveling
in the family’s motorhome. “As a kid, my

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best memories are in a motorhome. We
went to many of the lakes in Saskatchewan
as well to Disneyland and Arizona. I
saw the world from the cab of a class C
motorhome. It’s an experience I wish
everyone could have.” Both Darryl and
Kyle, whose family has been in the RV
business for over 45 years, have enjoyed
helping other families to create new,
precious memories vacationing with their
own children in their RVs.
Whether you have a young family or are
retired grandparents, RVing opens up a
world of possibilities not available when
staying in hotels. An RV allows you to
change your route at a moment’s notice.
It enables you to be active and spend a

According to Darryl, “More and more
people are investing in a RV to go and
visit children and grandchildren who
are spread out across the province and
country. They park the RV in front of
their child’s house and can visit with their
family during the day while having the
nights to themselves. They can even take
the grandchildren on a weekend getaway.”
“You’re the master when you live in an RV,”
states Art. “You decide what you’re going
to do and how you’re going to do it.” For
the flexibility to live your life your way,
come in to Kehoe RV today.
Kehoe RV
3010 Idylwyld Drive North
306.934.6140
sales@kehoerv.com
www.kehoerv.com

here is nothing quite like the
thrill of riding the waves,
whether you are on a boat or
being towed behind one. The
feeling of relaxation found with time spent
on the water can carry people through
the hardest workweeks, a discovery
more and more people are making daily.
With Saskatchewan’s long cold winters,
the boating season and warmer weather
are anticipated by all, but no one looks
forward to summer quite as much as Pally
Performance Products. The business has
been a part of Saskatchewan summer fun
for more than 20 years and their dedicated
team of experts can help clients find the
perfect boat for fishing, entertaining and
even racing.
Pa s s i o n at e
about
boating “With our harsh winters
we try to make the most of the warmer
weather. We have a tremendous number
of waterways and lakes with many inlets to
explore. Boating has always been a big part
of our culture,” remarks Dave Pally, owner
of Pally Performance. Dave discovered a
love of boats early in life. Growing up in a
water-loving family, he built his first boat
in his mom’s living room at age 16. This
passion is obvious as soon as clients meet
him. “I love getting my hands dirty [and]”
he notes “working in the shop to make an
engine perform to its best,”
In 1992, Dave and his wife Susan decided
to open their own marine service shop,
fully embracing Dave’s love for increasing
engine performance. After many years
in the service industry, the duo decided
to become a full line marine retailer,
offering high-quality brands and thus
creating the ultimate one-stop-shop for
boaters of all types. With their 5,000 sq.
ft. indoor showroom, Pally Performance
allows customers to pick the perfect
boat, or dream of their next big purchase,
well before the snow is gone. Offering
everything from water toys and docks, to
boats of all sizes as well as trailers and lifts,
the company is the ultimate destination
for boating enthusiasts and their families.
Pally’s Powerful engines &
suPerior service With a diverse
selection of outboard and inboard motors,
clients can find exactly what they are
looking for, whether they are an Evinrude,

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43

Mercury,Yamaha, Mercruiser or Volvo
boater. The company sets itself apart from
the competition with their experienced
service staff — who have literally seen
it all — the shop is solely dedicated to
the marine industry. By having a fully
equipped machine and weld shop, as well
as a wide selection of in-stock parts on site,
Pally Performance can take on any project,
from a pre-season tune-up to propeller
repair and even complete engine rebuilds.
“Our goal is to get you on the water. No
one wants their boat dry for too long. We
have the skills and diagnostic equipment
to ensure the job is done right giving you
more time on the water,” says Dave.
The crew at Pally’s prides itself on
having everything to turn a boat into a
custom dream machine, whether adding
underwater lighting, a wash down station,
barbecues or extra seating. “Clients are no
longer looking for just any boat to head
out on the water with. They want a boat
that is tailored to their needs and interests,
whether they are fishing pros looking
for the latest engines and electronics, or
a family that wants to do it all from the
luxury of their pontoon boat. Adding
custom options is always a fun way to
make the boat their own,” remarks Dave.
navigate any body of water
in the right boat from
Pally New to the Pally Performance
showroom this year are pontoon lines by
Landau and SunCatcher. These exceptional
watercrafts are available with a variety of
floor plans perfect for entertaining, fishing,
or playing on the water. For those looking
to experience the raw power of riding the
waves, Pally Performance offers Zodiac
and ZapCat inflatables, built for speed and
truly experiencing the waterways. For avid
fishermen seeking a high-performing boat
that can take whatever nature throws at
it, Pally Performance carries a variety of
Custom Weld aluminum jet boats. These
boats combine high power engines with a
unique hull configuration; they are perfect
for river fishing with a hull designed for
shallow water excursions and the vessel
can even be used for navigating rapids.
The company showcases boats for all
lifestyles and budgets, boasting superior
craftsmanship and selection. Offering
the latest from exclusive brands like
Ranger fishing boats, or quality time-

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tested brands such as San Pan, Aqua
Patio, Sweetwater pontoons, PolarKraft
fishing aluminums, Rinker fiberglass
and Hurricane deck boats, allows Pally’s
to stand out from the competition.
Unlike many boat retailers, Pally
Performance takes a hands on approach to
boat sales. Pally and his experienced sales
team offer knowledgeable and friendly
service to assist customers in making an
informed decision as they select the perfect
boat. Dave himself gives an orientation
for new boat owners, allowing them to
become familiar with their new boat and
to experience all that it has to offer, with
the guidance of an expert in the field.
With superior service and high-quality
products, Pally Performance has discovered
a combination that can’t be beat. “The key
to getting the most out of your summer
is having the right equipment; having it
serviced in the fall or early spring ensures
you are ready to hit the water as soon as the
ice is gone. By offering the best products
and service we ensure the only thing
you’re disappointed about is the end of the
summer,” remarks Dave.
When deciding on how to best invest in
summer fun, there is only one name you
need to remember: Pally Performance…
passionate about boating.
Pally Performance Products
110 60th Street West, Saskatoon
306.244.4469
www.pallyperformance.com

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45

The Legacy & Tradition

LIVES ON
By Tori Staffordâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Photos Matt Ramage

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F

or nearly 40 years, that is what
Orko Construction Incorporated
has pledged to those in the
Saskatoon area: be the very best
in new home construction. From acreages
to in-fills, from timber-frame estates to
riverbank builds, Orko Construction
has developed a reputation for being
unsurpassed in quality construction
and attention to detail on multimilliondollar projects. And, as is the case with
the construction of any home, Orko
Construction’s success rests on careful
planning and groundwork before anything
else has started.
Orko began as Orko Developments Ltd. in
1975, founded by Bill Orban. Within the
first years of operation, Orban developed
the mission statement that would lay the
groundwork on which his company is built.
“Our mission is ‘to have superior client
service and to provide excellence in quality
labour and materials, related to our end
product,’” Orban says recalling those first
years. “We developed that mission after the
first [few] years of being in the industry –
ever since, that’s been our business model
and what we try to deliver to our clients.”
Now owned by both Orban and his sonin-law, Jeﬀ Johnson, who currently runs
the business, Orko Construction was
incorporated in 2008. The company is a
long-standing member of the Saskatchewan
New Home Warranty Program, with
both Johnson and Orban holding gold
service awards for excellence in providing
warranties and service. Orko is also a
member of the Better Business Bureau
where they have achieved a five-star rating.

When you envision your
dream home, everything
about it is the very best,
so when you go to build
your dream home, that
is what you want — the
very best.

To see an example of how that original
mission continues to be achieved, one
needn’t look further than one of the
first projects the company took on after
incorporation. Located on Gabriel Road,
the 8,000 sq. ft. timber-frame home is
exemplary of the outstanding craftsmanship
and custom build Orko Construction is
known for throughout the area. “It really is a
beautiful home,” Johnson expresses, noting
that the project, which included 1,650 sq. ft.
of garage space, was one that required some
unique craftsmanship and attention.
The timbers came from Victoria Island,
and were milled in Vancouver, before being
shipped to Saskatoon, where Orko’s team

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of a dozen tradesmen worked to erect the
home in approximately one week. From
there, the skilled tradespeople hand selected
by Orko and overseen by Johnson worked
meticulously and diligently to finish the
home, which includes one three-door
garage, one single garage, and a 36-foot glass
wall on the south side of the home, mirrored
by a stone fireplace. When the project began,
Johnson projected the completion at about
14 to 16 months. “We ended up finishing
the house in the fourteenth month,” Johnson
says. “Right on schedule.”
That scheduling can be the hardest aspect
of any project to manage, and also the
most important, Johnson expresses, but
success in maintaining that schedule
echoes the mission Orko was built on.
“When you have good trades and you have
a good team, you can be fairly accurate in
your scheduling,” Orban says, noting that
there is one other benefit to using the very
best in the skilled trades available. “You
can tell the quality of the work instantly.”
The first company to complete a
multimillion-dollar project in Saskatoon a
decade ago, Orko is dedicated to serving
the area, and developing relationships with
their clients while providing a high level
of quality trades work, maintaining open
lines of communication throughout the
build. For those at Orko, it is through this
process that success is achieved and the
client receives the home of their dreams.
Orban makes no attempt to hide his affinity
to hockey when describing what sets Orko
Construction apart from other home
builders, and has allowed his company
to thrive for almost four decades. “As our
mission statement says, what we try to
achieve [the very best] for all of our clients,
and just like a hockey game,” the former
NHLer says. “We just have a team approach
to our business: We are like a coach for all
of these excellent tradespeople, and we’re
working for the owner – we just have to
win the cup every time, because that is the
owners’ expectation.”
LEFT Jeff Johnson and Bill Orban
photo Lisa Landrie

f you’re interested in the great outdoors and nature, exploring the local district,

and meeting some of the most passionate business people from the Saskatoon
area, a day on Valley Road is time well spent. Valley Road is one of my favourite

destinations, so I’d like to share with you five reasons why you need to make visiting
this region a priority this summer. Go spend a day!

1

GETTING THERE IS EASY The

recent completion of Circle Drive has
made life easier for Saskatoon residents
in countless ways — one being the quick
and easy access to Valley Road. No longer
is it a trek; anyone from any part of the
city can pull onto the freeway and within
minutes find themselves in the serene,
peaceful, inviting setting of the country.

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2

AGRITOURISM Valley Road is one of
the top agritourist destinations around. The
valley is a lush, fertile location and, coupled
with the residents’ and the business district’s
passion for growing and the environment,
you know every crop is a top quality one.
Whether or not you have a green thumb
yourself, it’s hard not to fall in love with the
plants in the various greenhouses and the
produce from the local farms.

3 FUN FOR ALL AGES It doesn’t
matter how old you are, there’s something
for you to do in the valley. The kids
are enchanted with the activities and
excitement at the local fun centre, while
the older kids enjoy outdoor recreation,
such as laser tag and paintball, at the
district’s adventure facility. And for the
golfers out there, Valley Road is home
to one of Saskatoon’s most beautiful and
challenging courses.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Photo courtesy of The Strawberry Ranch; Photo courtesy of Tierra Del Sol;
Photo courtesy of Floral Acres Greenhouses; Photos courtesy of Moon Lake Golf & Country Club

4

THE GREAT OUTDOORS It
is not uncommon for drivers to come
upon cyclists on the road, as this piece
of highway offers a nice combination
of distance and scenery for those out
to exercise their legs. It’s also a wellknown area for water enthusiasts who
take advantage of the close proximity to
our city’s most beautiful attraction: the
river. The Poplar Bluffs Conservation
Area, maintained by the Meewasin Valley
Authority, is approximately 10 kilometres
south of the city. Launching your canoe

or kayak here will result in an easy threehour ride back. For those seeking a longer
ride, the Paradise Beach location, about 20
kilometres south of Saskatoon, gives riders
a scenic six-hour ride back.

5 EAT & SHOP LOCAL Scattered
along Valley Road are those neat places
that have a little bit of everything. From
local fare to garden accessories, it’s truly
enjoyable to see what treasures you can
find. I even suggest keeping those on
your Christmas gift list in mind as you
poke around.

After grabbing a bite to eat, partake in
some first-hand harvesting: u-picking.
There are a few locations on Valley Road
where you can easily pass a day, reaping
the rewards of hand-plucking the freshest,
most delicious fruit. From raspberries
to black currants, and strawberries to
Saskatoon berries, Valley Road growers
give visitors a chance to enjoy the juiciest
fruit possible. If it’s not your sweet tooth
you’re looking to sate, why not customize a
flower arrangement for your dining room
table by u-picking fresh flowers?

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51

Floral Acres

Visit our website and Facebook page for weekly specials. We are located only five minutes
from Stonebridge and 10 to 15 minutes from University Heights via the south bridge!

SHOOT THE MOON
A 27-hole links-style course just minutes from Saskatoon. With its natural beauty
and magnificent playing conditions, Moon Lake Golf and Country Club will be
an experience you won’t forget. Enjoy a championship golf course in a serene
setting. A new fleet of Club Car carts complete with GPS systems enhance the
golfing experience, allowing accurate tracking throughout the course.
Head Golf Professional, Bobbi Brandon describes Moon Lake as a course for
golfers of all levels. Moon Lake is a public course that hosts an equally popular
Men’s and Ladies’ leagues, as well as numerous tournaments, weddings and
corporate events. To book your tee time or event, call 306.382.5500.

VALLEY ROAD’S “BEST KEPT SECRET”
Take the drive down Valley Road to the Station, Moon Lake’s family restaurant
and patio. You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy the full-service, casual dining
experience that offers a fresh array of flavours throughout its pub-style menu.
Executive Chef Barry Johnston welcomes one and all. Facilities are available for
booking intimate gatherings, weddings or corporate events. Call 306.382.7787
for more information.
Try something new . . . you will be glad you did!

MOON LAKE GOLF
AND COUNTRY CLUB

905 Valley Road, Saskatoon
www.moonlakegolf.com

Your Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Home Away
From Home

Our pet resort is a 24/7, full-service dog and cat boarding
facility. We offer grooming and daycare outside of the boarding
services. Free daycare is provided with every groom.
Looking for a safe and stress-free experience for your pet?
Riverside Resort: Pets on Vacation will put you at ease. You
and your pet will both look forward to the next visit! View our
website or Facebook page for guest comments and reviews.
Watch for Rick doing random acts of kindness at local offleash parks this summer.

Merrill Dunes offers a private setting for groups to engage in
innovative and exciting interactive games.
Paintball or laser battles are the format and vivid, pleasant
memories and closer friendships are the result. Companies,
teams, and groups of friends will benefit by engaging in a
â&#x20AC;&#x153;civilâ&#x20AC;? war at the Dunes!

Totally private events

Hunt & Ride safaris for kids

We build groups!MerrillDunes.com
Visit MerrillDunes.com

The Berry Barn
A Saskatchewan Tradition

Just eight minutes from the city limits you will find The Berry
Barn, one of Saskatoon's finest visitor attractions. Nestled along
the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, its venue is warm
and inviting, and the hospitality beyond compare.
THE GREENHOUSE
GREENHOUSE: Browse our vast selection of traditional bedding plants,
one-of-a-kind home and garden accents, and a host of accessories you will
not find elsewhere.
THE BERRY PATCH: For your next special event, the Berry Patch offers a
unique setting for your group event. Large groups or intimate gatherings for
your upcoming corporate meeting, family get-together or wedding, it’s an
unforgettable experience! Select dates still available for 2014.
THE RESTAURANT: Nothing tops off a summer day better than a stop at
our restaurant. Whether you are in the mood for our traditional favourites —
such as smokies and perogies — one of our legendary waffles, or one of our
delectable sweet treats and tea, our traditional home cooking will satisfy your
taste buds!
THE GIFT SHOP: Take a piece of The Berry
Barn home with you on your next
visit! Although you may feel reluctant
to leave, a stop at our gift shop will
ensure a taste of your visit stays with
you until you return! Be sure to check
out our selection of homemade
preserves, antiques, toys and games,
snacks, fresh treats, and more.
*Present your greenhouse receipt of
$50 or more to the restaurant and receive
10 per cent off your eatery bill.

ne of the best ways to breathe new life into our living
spaces is to add something old — something with a
story to tell. Often the items we love the most in our
homes are special not just because of what they are,
but also because of what else they are.
Our computer desk is a great example of re-purposed furniture
with a story — a vintage, fold-down farmhouse table purchased
at yard sale in a farming community. It was sold to us for the
modest amount of cash we had on hand and a big bear-hug for
Velma, the delightful seller, who happened to still live on the
street named after her: Velma Street.
I was recently in search of similar treasures with my family in
an out-of-the-way Saskatchewan village where a small church
building was being retired. We were thrilled to make a donation
and discover a couple of items that will now find a new life as part
of this year’s garden project; the sturdy, worn wood work table we
found will make a perfect base for a surface built from recycled
pallets. That will be a piece that not only has a great story to tell
but is eco-friendly as well.
Along the same lines, reclaimed materials, such as barn wood or
rescued stained-glass windows are becoming increasingly popular
in building, renovating and redecorating. Salvaged wood can be
used to create a unique hardwood floor that has character as well
as conscience — preventing wood from ending up in landfills.
An antique cast-iron tub or pedestal sink can serve as the perfect
complement to a spacious, modern bathroom.
Out in the garden, there are many possibilities for using
reclaimed and repurposed materials, even if building tables
from recycled pallets or restoring old benches to use around a
fire-pit seems ambitious. In addition to the growing number of
shops and small businesses who fabricate or sell artisan products
with sustainability in mind, there are many great products sold
through your local garden centre made from recycled materials.
A deck or gazebo made with composite boards and materials
manufactured from recycled plastics is attractive, affordable and
will resist wear due to moisture and frost. Products made from
recycled tires, such as rubber patio tiles, garden edging strips or
even rubber landscaping mulch are easy to handle and install
as well as being naturally resistant to weeds, mould and insects.
You can make a positive ecological choice, helping to redirect
harmful items like scrap tires or plastic bottles out of landfills
while receiving the benefits of a result that will require little or no
maintenance — looking beautiful for years to come.
So this summer, revive your home or yard with something that
tells a great story. Whether it’s a story about an unexpected use
for a salvaged material or a re-purposed antique that comes with
a little bit of history of its own, those are the elements that add
new life to the spaces you love the most.
Kevin Hall works within Saskatchewan’s recycling sector for Shercom
Industries, a manufacturer of recycled rubber products.
MIDDLE Rubber bark mulch
BOTTOM Recycled rubber patio tiles
(Photos courtesy Shercom Industries and Multy Home)

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59

RUBBER

Reinvented

Improve my home

Help save the planet
If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cracked and
worn driveway, or a
new patio, or that
spot under the trees
where nothing grows
but weedsâ&#x20AC;Ś your next
home project could
use some old tires!
Recycled
Rubber
surfaces and products
are naturally weather
resistant, durable,
easy to maintain, and
very affordable.
By redirecting tires
from landfills to useful
applications, you help
the environment.

Products from Award Winning
Saskatchewan
Manufacturer,
Shercom Industries, are available
through dealers like Warman
Home Centre and other local
retailers across Canada.
For more information or to book
your free estimate, contact:

South Railway Street West, Warman
306.933.4950
warmanhomecentre.ca

1.800.SHERCOM
www.shercomindustries.com

A World Of Difference

d
Se cotnion
lo caning
ope on !
so

FURNITURE

WORLD

36,000 sq. ft. showroom
Leather and bedding gallery
Non-commissioned knowledgeable professionals
Custom order designs, colours, size, fabric, to
perfectly fit your home and how you live

As the snow melts and the world once again revives, people feel invigorated.
Winter clothes are packed away, gardens are planted and spring cleaning
begins. What better way to celebrate the end of winter and the return of
warm, sunshine-filled days than to give your home a stylish makeover?

who you are as a person, rather than
simply following the latest fashion trends.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love working at Cornerstone Flooring
& Interiors because my goal and passion
are to assist you in creating a functional,
practical and stylish home you will love,â&#x20AC;?
she says.

INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM/SALES
ASSOCIATE TEAM Courtney Sled,
Maureen Elmer and Danielle Rau of
Cornerstone Flooring & Interiors would
love to help you shake off the winter
doldrums and put a spring in your step by
revamping the interior decoration of your
home. All three are certified in interior
design and decoration and are skilled at
helping people choose the flooring, paint,
window coverings and dĂŠcor that best suits
both their needs and desires. Beginning
this spring, Cornerstone Flooring &
Interiors will be offering customers the
option of having one of their interior
decorators come into their home and
provide an on-site consultation. As well,
they will continue to provide customers
with quality service and advice in the store.

Elmer has been a certified interior designer
for five years and has a great deal of
experience helping both new homeowners
and those seeking to renovate. As a
decorator, Elmer enjoys working with
hardwood and tile the most, as the pattern
and layout options are limitless - adding
a herringbone pattern to hardwood or
a hopscotch pattern to tile can really
make a difference in the finished effect of
the room.

Sled, who has a diploma in interior design,
has a wide range of experience in the
flooring and decorating industries. She
believes that your home should reflect

In 2011, Rau graduated from Lakeland
College with an honours diploma in
interior design technology. As a sales
representative for Cornerstone Flooring

& Interiors, Rau loves working with
customers to source the right product for
their home, for both functionality and
aesthetic purposes. While her favourite
material to work with has always been tile
because of its versatility and endless design
possibilities, she also enjoys discovering
new products and patterns.
Walter Gregor, a sales representative
at Cornerstone Flooring & Interiors,
has worked for many years in both the
residential and commercial floor covering
business - the past five with Cornerstone
Flooring & Interiors. In addition to his
hands-on experience, Gregor has a wealth
of information and knowledge about
products and their applications. Together
with the staff and complement of excellent
installers, Gregor has completed some
major contracts for Cornerstone Flooring
& Interiors and is always ready to assist
customers in their choice of materials
and installations.

PURE GENIUS® BY LAUZON One
of these new products is the Pure Genius®
Air-Purifying Smart Floor by Lauzon.
Cornerstone Flooring & Interiors is one of
three stores in the province authorized to
sell this exciting product.
Pure Genius® hardwood floors have a
revolutionary titanium finish. Using a
patented light-activated technology, this
finish breaks down the toxic contaminants
emanating from many types of furniture
upon contact, transforming them into
harmless molecules. With Pure Genius®
hardwood floors, you will breathe easier
and feel healthier. By making your indoor
air up to 85 per cent cleaner, Lauzon, the
makers of Pure Genius®, claim “It’s like
having three trees in your home.”
A WIDE VARIETY OF FLOORING
OPTIONS Cornerstone Flooring &
Interiors has been providing the residents
of Saskatoon and area with a wide range
of flooring products to suit every need
and taste since 2002. Locally-owned

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and –operated by Janice Williams,
Cory Nomeland and Trevor Pickerl,
Cornerstone Flooring & Interior carries
a multitude of carpets, tiles, hardwoods,
laminate, cork and vinyl, as well as a
huge selection of area rugs. “There
are always new patterns and types of
flooring coming in,” says Williams. In
addition, Cornerstone is an authorized
dealer for Graber, a company that offers
a lifetime warranty on the mechanisms in
their blinds.
A member of the Saskatoon & Region
Home Builders’ Association, Cornerstone
Flooring & Interiors does both commercial
and residential flooring for new builds and
renovations. Working with homeowners
and home builders, the staff members
at Cornerstone provide free estimates,
expert advice and top-notch installation.
“We pride ourselves on quality installs and
knowledgeable staff,” notes Williams. The
store has 10 full-time employees, as well as
many subcontractors who work for them.

A RECENT PROJECT Cornerstone
Flooring & Interiors recently assisted in
the rebuilding and redecorating of a home
in Saskatoon.
The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance flooring was done
in the popular, eye-catching herringbone
pattern with porcelain tiles. The
herringbone pattern is a great way to add
some pizzazz to your floor, moving away
from the more traditional straight lines.
Porcelain tiles were also employed for the
floor in the main bathroom. Cornerstone
has journeymen tile setters on staff, who
ensure the installation is done right.
For the kitchen, the couple decided to
go with a trendy silver metallic mosaic
backsplash that looks great with the
stainless steel appliances found in many
kitchens today. These metallic tiles also
complement a variety of other materials,

from wood to brick, ceramics to glass. Of
course, there is no limit to the patterns
and designs possible, meaning that your
mosaic can truly be a one-of-a-kind
work-of-art designed to suit your own
individual tastes.
All the staff and management at
Cornerstone Flooring & Interiors invite
you to come into the store and see their
large showroom. They look forward to
answering all your flooring and interior
decorating questions.

Providing the Ultimate in
Relaxation and Style
By Trina Annand Photos Courtesy of International Furniture Wholesalers and Heather Fritz

Y

our home should be your oasis
from the hustle and bustle of
professional life. That is why it
is important to create a space
for rest and relaxation. At International
Furniture Wholesalers (IFW), the staff
has created the perfect experience for
those looking to furnish an oasis of their
own. For 15 years the company has been
providing designers and homeowners

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alike with high quality products, expert
advice and a family feel to doing business.
A home spa is the perfect way to relax
and can be the ultimate gathering spot
for family and friends, making family
time a must-attend event. Offering clients
the unique range of Artesian Spas allows
IFW to provide the highest quality spas,
designed to withstand the weather in

Alaska, the Yukon and even the Arctic
Circle, with a rating of -30°C. These luxury
spas are not only for relaxation: the health
benefits of hydrotherapy have been known
to reduce arthritic and Fibromyalgia
pain, and improve circulation ― which
helps diabetics and even creates a more
restful sleep. With integrated lighting,
the spas can also provide chromotherapy,
improving mood and relaxation.

Another important part of rest and
relaxation is finding the right mattress. At
IFW they have many mattresses to choose
from, allowing you to save money and get
the best quality product. “Everyone needs
a good mattress. It’s a fundamental part
of true relaxation and stress reduction.
There is a perfect mattress for every style
of sleeper and we can help you find it,” Roy
says. Offering options from Springwall and
Simmons Beautyrest, IFW has mattresses
in stock so clients do not have to wait two
weeks for a good night’s sleep.
International Furniture Wholesalers
believes in featuring quality Canadian
brands whenever possible. Springwall
matt ress es combine C anadi an
workmanship, new technology, green
options (like soy based bio foam)
and comfort in an expertly designed
package. New this year is the Springwall
Chiropractic Support Series, which is
endorsed, designed and approved by the
Canadian Chiropractic Association.
Whether you are looking for a luxury spa,
the ultimate mattress, Italian leather sofas or
any other furniture need, the experts at IFW
can ask the right questions to find the perfect
furniture for your home. International
Furniture Wholesalers has a wide range
of products and styles to suit any need by
“Bringing the World to your Door.”

IFW thrives on being able to provide clients
with the best products and technology,
including the creation of the perfect
custom spa for their dreams and budget.
“Artesian Spas focuses on combining the
best spa technology and eco-friendly
elements on the market,” explains Mitch
Roy. “This year we have spas that are smart
phone compatible, allowing you to control
the temperature and get notifications
anywhere in the world if something goes
wrong.” The spas use natural purifiers
and greener options like silver nitrate,

which results in a 70 per cent reduction in
chemical use. This reduction is great for
young children and people with chemical
sensitivities. Through their ability to buy
wholesale, IFW ensures the lowest price
possible for spas, chemicals and any other
furniture needs.

Manufactured to European standards, meeting and exceeding the highest the industry has
to offer, LVT also has an almost endless selection of styles and colours. The functionality
and durability are remarkable: the LVT feel and finish will mimic the finest of hardwood,
with much improved durability when considering daily wear and tear, and 100 per cent
protection against water and moisture. LVT is quickly becoming the popular choice for
high-end custom builds and renovations in Saskatoon.
For more detailed information about the Moduleo LVT flooring, stop by and speak to
Saskatoon’s LVT experts, Jef or Murray Fowler at Feature Flooring
Stop in and talk to us about our monthly “Feature Flooring, Feature of The Month.”
Each month, we will be showcasing and educating you on a different product, some of
the most demanded the industry has to offer, and demonstrating how they fit into your
home and lifestyle.

aybe you saw electronic
shades in a show home;
maybe in a friend’s living
room. Wherever they are
placed, electronic shades are an elegant
feature, combining appearance with
practical function.
Electronic shades are simply window
coverings that can be adjusted by hitting
a button, eliminating old-fashioned pulley
and crank mechanisms entirely.
Individuals investing in electronic shades
need to choose a brand they can trust.
At Stein Electric, we deal exclusively in
Lutron shades. Luxury and value merge as
these shades have nearly silent motors and
are reasonably priced.
In our experience, electronic roller
shades are perhaps the biggest hit with

customers. Stein Electric offers a range of
other designs, including cellular shades,
drapes, Venetian blinds, and more — all
in numerous fabric colours and styles.
You are welcome to provide Stein Electric
with a fabric of your choice. We’ll use it to
custom-cover your electronic shade(s).
Set up a personalized one-on-one
appointment to discuss your installation
options. Electronic shades may be
installed in a single room, if you desire, or
you can outfit your whole house or office
with the technology. If you’d prefer a mix
of electronic and conventional shades, we
can style traditional models to match their
electronic counterparts. From showroom,
to installation, to showing off your new
shades, arranging for electronic window
coverings typically takes a total of one
month to six weeks. The product itself is
guaranteed for eight years.
Electronic shades benefit everyone. Busy
business people will appreciate the time
saved when they can skip closing each

blind manually. Those with mobility
challenges will recognize the convenience
of hitting a single button to adjust all their
home’s shades. Those conscious of their
carbon footprint will never feel tempted
to “flick a light switch” if they can allow
abundant natural light into their home
with the same amount of effort.
Stein Electric offers numerous other
home automation options, from security
services to sound systems. Our electronic
shades are easy to integrate into a
broader automation system which can
simultaneously lower your shades, adjust
your lighting, turn on your radio/TV
and more.
Paired with electronic shades, our “lighting
control” systems are an especially attractive
automation option. A combination of
electronic shades and automated lighting
control can help you minimize your
energy output and maximize your home’s
power efficiency and natural beauty.

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69

The organza fabric overlays on the inner shades create the dressy layered
look of the chandelier and wall sconce from the Parker Pointâ&#x201E;˘ Collection
by Kichler.

ÂŽ

829 46th St E
Saskatoon
(306) 664 - 2389

www.robinsonlightingandbath.com
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5

COUNTER

Intuitive
Styles to
Tune Into

By Courtney Tait

A

myriad of countertop options are available to make a
décor statement. Find inspiration with the low-down
on these five styles, and you’ll be on your way to an
intuitive choice.

CONCRETE The size, shape, texture
and edge style can vary greatly with
concrete, enabling you to customize the
look to suit your kitchen or bathroom
style. Colour and chips of glass and
stone can be added to the concrete when
it’s poured. Heat and scratch resistant,
concrete will also withstand spills if
sealed properly.
SOAPSTONE Natural, sleek and
heat-resistant, soapstone is popular for
being low-maintenance and easy to
clean. Soapstone darkens over time, and
is known — and loved — for developing
character as it ages. Variation can be seen
in the veining of soapstone slabs, with
some pieces featuring dense quartz veins,
and others showing little veining at all.
BUTCHER BLOCK Warm and
sturdy, butcher block gives your kitchen

a welcoming, natural look. It can be made
from almost any wood, and if you avoid
cutting on it directly, is easily maintained
by re-oiling it every few months. Any nicks
or burns can be sanded out.
GRANITE As the go-to choice for
countertops over the last decade, it’s easy
to complement your flooring and cabinets.
Granite is heat and scratch resistant, but
also porous, which makes proper sealing
and maintenance essential to prevent
stains. If you like the look of luxury, this is
the choice for you.
QUARTZ Considered one of the
most durable option, quartz is also lowmaintenance. Available in a range of slabs
with beautiful, natural-looking patterns,
this non-porous countertop doesn’t
require sealing, and comes with a range of
finishes from polished to sandblasted.

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Bella Rocha
Fine Stone Countertops

Making the Ordinary

Extraordinary

F

by Tonya Lambert Photos Lisa Landrie

rom ancient Greek architects
to medieval stonemasons and
Renaissance craftsmen, the works
that have endured and inspired
have all been made from stone. Stone
combines beauty with durability, having
made it the building material of choice for
centuries. With Bella Rocha Fine Stone
Countertops in Saskatoon, you too can be
part of this centuries-old tradition.
The skilled and experienced staff at Bella
Rocha combine the newest in digital
technology with the tried and true
methods of traditional craftsmanship to
create stunningly beautiful, durable and
functional works of art for your home.
Whether you are looking for a granite
or quartz countertop for your kitchen or
bathroom or a stone fireplace and mantel
for your living room, Bella Rocha has the
quality materials, trained craftsmen and
installers and advanced technology needed
to make an ordinary room extraordinary.
Locally-owned and -operated, owners Brad
Huber, an engineer, and Jordan Schenn, a
millwright, founded the company in 2007
under the name of Metallicut. Originally,
the company combined steel fabrication
with stonework, but last fall they stopped
doing metalwork to focus exclusively on
creating unique stone pieces for Saskatoon
and area homes. They changed their name
to Bella Rocha, which means â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautiful
stoneâ&#x20AC;? in Portuguese, to align with their
new focus.
GorGeous Granite Countertops A granite countertop signals to the
world that you have arrived at the top and
that, like your countertop, your success will
endure a lifetime. As individual as every
homeowner, no two pieces of granite are
alike, and your choice will speak to your
own unique tastes and character.

Granite is an igneous rock which at one
time was heated to such an extreme
temperature that it melted. As the molten
rock cooled, it hardened and crystallized
into a variety of colours and textures with
unique patterns of veining. Quarried from
mountainsides around the world, the rock
is then cut into slabs and polished before
being transported to the workshop.
Having been shaped by extreme heat,
your granite countertop is resistant to
heat damage. You can place a hot pot on
it and it will not damage it in any way. A
granite countertop is also virtually scratchresistant. Once sealed, a granite countertop
becomes non-porous and resistant to
stains and bacterial contamination. It is
easy to clean with warm water and a mild
soap or detergent.
Bella Rocha carries a great selection of
granite countertops from which to choose.
Just bring swatches of your paint, flooring
and cabinets with you, and a salesperson at
Bella Rocha will help you find the perfect
match. If you are unable to find exactly
what you are looking for, Bella Rocha will
order it in for you.
Quality Quartz produCts If
you desire the durability and elegance of
stone but want consistency in colour and
pattern, then quartz is the perfect choice
for you. The quartz slabs used to construct
a countertop are manmade, consisting
of small quartz rocks held together with
polymer, and thus are uniform in colour
and pattern.
Quartz countertops are low maintenance.
Non-porous, a quartz countertop does
not require sealing and is resistant to both
stains and bacterial contamination.
Bella Rocha has over 125 different colours
of quartz countertops, enabling you

to make the ideal selection to go with
your home’s décor. In addition, there are
various textures from which to choose
and the number of patterns is continually
increasing. A current trend is to use more
than one colour of countertop in the same
room. Bella Rocha carries several different
brands of quartz at various price points,
meaning they have something for everyone.
expert Craftsmen and
superior teChnoloGy Bella
Rocha’s experienced craftsmen have an
understanding of traditional stoneworking
techniques and the skill to use the most
advanced technology available today.
The staff use on-site digital templating
to ensure incredible accuracy. AutoCAD
technology allows clients to see their
countertop before it is constructed,
allowing adjustments to be done before
the first cut is made.
At Bella Rocha, they utilize a high-speed
Computer Numerical Control Fabrication
(CNC) machine. This machine uses
lasers to make precise cuts in any almost
conceivable shape. It also polishes the
stone to a brilliant shine. Your countertop
will be finished by hand and installed by
experienced professionals.
You cannot beat the natural beauty
and durability of a top-quality stone
countertop built and installed by skilled
and reputable craftsman. Bring a sketch of
your kitchen or bathroom to Bella Rocha
for a free quote today.

Be Inspired.
At Kitchen & Bath Classics you will find the largest
product assortment from a collection of quality
brand names that appeal to every style preference.
Traditional charm, sleek minimalist design, modern
contemporary or anything in between.
Visit our showroom today!

ave you ever felt like you and
your partner are speaking
different languages when it
comes to decorating your
bedroom? Everything from choosing a
colour palette to furniture to art can feel
compromised when your style is at odds
with the one you love (and live with).
Follow these nine tips to find a balance that
incorporates both masculine and feminine
elements for a happy, restful room.

1
2

6
7
8

Clarify how each of you want the space to
feel in three of four words. If your partner
wants relaxing and comfortable and you
want stylish and inspiring, you know those
are your parameters, and you can set out to
work within them. With clear, intentional
guidelines and a little creativity, a middle
ground is always possible to find.
Choose a colour palette you both like. Your
dream accent shade might be yellow, but if
your partner doesn’t like it, you’ve got to
find other options. Hone in on colours that
appeal to both of you, and collect ideas using
paint swatches or images you find online.
Once your colours are decided, mixing
different furniture and accessory styles is
easy: as long as they fall within the palette,
they can work. To bring a masculine element
to the room, include at least one dark shade
in your palette such as navy or charcoal. This
will balance out any bright or more feminine
pops of colour. And make sure you include a
mix of warm and cool tones.

3
4
5

feminine in colour, or vice versa. If you
have enough masculine elements in your
furniture, you might even be able to get
away with a dramatic chandelier.

Paint the walls a gender-neutral colour,
and save the dramatic shades for textiles
and accessories. White or soft grey creates
a clean, easy backdrop to work from.

No, matter where it’s placed, your bed is the
centerpiece of the room, and the bedding
is the star. Typically, the simpler in colour
and texture your comforter is, the more
gender neutral it is, and the more you can
play with colourful throws and patterned
cushions. The key is in the mixing: if you
choose a bright, patterned, or textured bed
cover, incorporate at least one masculine
colour from your palette, and keep the
pillows and cushions understated.
An area rug ties all your bedroom’s
elements together. If you’re opting for a
lot of colour or patterns throughout the
room, keep the rug relatively simple. If
the overall décor is clean and airy, you
can bring in some depth and vibrancy
with a bold rug. Because it’s such a big
piece, ensure your rug doesn’t feel overly
masculine or feminine — choose one that
falls somewhere in the middle.
Art can be one of the most divisive part
of decorating, but it can also be the most
rewarding. When considering the art
you currently own, first separate what
complements your colour palette. From
there, take out anything either of you feel
strongly against. This should leave you with
a few good options and room for some
new pieces. A painting that appears more
feminine can be matted and framed in a
strong, heavy border for balance. Consider
a few abstract pieces to incorporate colour
without overly-gendered imagery. And
adding a few framed family photos will
give the space a personal touch you are
both guaranteed to love.

9

Incorporate at least one piece of masculine
style furniture. This could be a leather
chair, wooden headboard, or darkcoloured dresser. Having this piece will
make it easier to add feminine aspects such
as patterned cushions or a contrasting
vintage tufted chair.
Consider the shape, colour and placement
of your lighting. An antique wall sconce
may appear too feminine on its own, but
placing two of them above your headboard
instantly creates a masculine symmetry. In
general, clean lines and defined shapes feel
more masculine, so a good way to blend
your lighting preferences is to choose a
style of lamp that’s masculine in shape and

The master en suite is an extension of
your bedroom, and the décor should
flow accordingly. Include at least one
colour from your bedroom’s palette in the
bathroom, and apply the same balancing
rules of masculine and feminine. Want
a ruffled or patterned shower curtain?
Ensure it features a masculine colour, and
balance it out with a simple, streamlined
style in items like your soap dish and
toothbrush holder. Metallics such as
stainless and copper are ideal masculine
fixtures that mix well with fluffy towels
and cozy, textured bath mats.

FineHomes

Saskatoon

77

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f you find yourself working on your
laptop late into the night; if you’re a
movie buff who can’t resist hitting
“play” on the latest blockbuster at
bedtime; if health considerations require
you to raise your head or feet while sleeping
– an adjustable bed could be for you.
An “adjustable bed” is simply a bed base
outfitted with moving parts, so that either
end of the bed can be elevated or lowered.
This type of bed is excellent for those
with certain medical issues, but that’s not
its only use. Anyone who spends time
reading, writing, or otherwise working
in bed will benefit from an adjustable
model. Since Wiseguys Mattresses moved

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into its new, larger space down the street,
we’ve been able to feature adjustable
beds (as well as other products, such as a
variety of bedroom furniture) much more
prominently on the floor.
The onetime “hospital” look of adjustable
beds is long over. Today’s designs are less
obtrusive than ever, boasting a variety
of frame styles and sizes; most aren’t
substantially larger than traditional
models, whether you’re investing in a twin
or splurging on a king. Furthermore, the
“wall hugger” adjustable designs you’ll
find at Wiseguys allow you to situate your
bed suitably in your space, and to add
headboards and footboards. The encased
motors of adjustable beds are also quieter
now than in the past.
Adjustable beds may come with any, or
all, of an array of extras including remote
controls, programmable positions, LED
displays, or fail-safe features in case of
power failure. Perhaps the most popular
“extra” for adjustable beds, however, is a
modifiable massage setting. Many such
features can be programmed to stop
automatically, so you can drift off to sleep
while enjoying a gentle massage.
The best adjustable beds come from
Leggett and Platt; they’ve been in
business for over a century, and their
quality is unparalleled. Don’t pay more
for a “name brand” adjustable model –
there’s a good chance it’s a Leggett and
Platt with another maker’s tag. On the flip

side, however, don’t “save” money on a
cut-rate adjustable bed. Flimsier, lighterweight steel construction means cheap
beds won’t stand the test of time.
If you’re considering purchasing an
adjustable bed, there are a few things to
be aware of. One is that quality adjustable
beds are heavier than traditional models.
Wiseguys Mattresses will take care of a
bed’s initial transportation and setup,
but after that, you likely won’t want to
move adjustable beds around frequently.
They’re also somewhat more expensive
than traditional designs, although a
good adjustable model may last longer as
well. Shoppers should note that a quality
adjustable bed will typically have a 10 to
20 year warranty – “too-good-to-be-true”
lifetime guarantees are probably just that.
Finally, an adjustable bed may not be the
best choice if you sleep on your side, since
the bed is designed to work according to
the curvature of a flat spine.
The most important part of your new
adjustable bed isn’t an extra feature or
a technological advance. It’s something
simpler and more fundamental: your
mattress. For both adjustable and
traditional beds, the right mattress
is paramount. Luckily, more recent
adjustable bed models can accommodate
heavier coil mattresses as well as foam – so
whatever mattress you choose, you’ll be
able get a good night’s sleep and be at your
best the next morning.

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See sasktel.com/infinet for details.

FineHomes

Saskatoon

81

AN OUTDOOR

OASIS
By Katrina Geenevasen

W

ith a masterful mix
of plants, furniture
and lig ht ing , you
can transform your
backyard from drab to fab and create the
outdoor oasis of your dreams with a few
simple fixes.
FABULOUS FURNISHINGS If you
prefer a more natural look, simple wood
furniture might be the best route. If you
prefer a more industrial look, you might
favour metal furniture. Known for being
extremely durable, wrought iron and
aluminum furniture will stand the test of
time, and look beautiful as well. Wicker,

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Saskatoon

meanwhile, will give off an air of classic
charm and easy elegance.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT If you want
to prevent guests from taking a tumble,
consider installing recessed lighting in
your stairs. Pendant lights, meanwhile, will
cast a warm glow over your meal. You may
also consider weatherproof table lamps
— just ensure the socket and switch are
protected from the rain. If you want to do
it simply and naturally, candles are a chic
way to light your outdoor space.
BE AN OUTDOOR COOK An
outdoor oasis simply isn’t complete without
a cooking station. With everything from

basic barbecues to elaborate mobile kitchen
stations on the market today, there’s no
reason to rough it when you want to cook
outdoors. Be sure to include a space for
shelving to store the extras — like grill
tools, plates, utensils and napkins — to keep
cooking outside effortless and fun.
PRIVACY AND SHELTER To
maximize the privacy of your outdoor
space, add some shade. Distract from an
unpleasant view by planting plenty of trees
and shrubs — they can be both pretty and
functional. Latticework and vines are great
for privacy and keep neighbours from
seeing your every move.

s the much anticipated warmer
summer weather approaches,
you are likely among the many
people who can’t wait to start
enjoying more of your time outside. Why
not transform your outdoor area into a
luxurious living space by adding a kitchen?
A place that can be designated for hosting
your summer BBQs and making fantastic
memories with friends and family!
Just like your indoor kitchen, you have to
plan for the space you have available to
work with. Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t
have to be full sized; it could simply be an

area for entertaining, preparing meals or
where you can store your BBQ essentials.
However, like your indoor kitchen you
don’t want to isolate the chef, so if at
all possible, attempt to keep your yard
open so that they may stay part of the
entertainment. Take into consideration the
appliances you would like to incorporate
into your outdoor kitchen, as well as the
utilities necessary for their function (for
example, gas, water and electrical lines).
This will help you to determine where the
appliances will be located and how the rest
of your kitchen can be designed around it.
Now, the biggest difference between your
indoor and outdoor kitchen is, of course,
the weather. Therefore, the materials that
are used will play a big role in durability as
they are exposed to the natural elements.
Stainless steel cabinet fronts and marine
grade plywood cabinet boxes are used to
help with weather proofing your outdoor
kitchen. This will help keep your cabinets
from expanding and contracting in
extreme weather conditions. Featured
in this photo are Huntwood’s “South

Beach” stainless steel cabinets in a
beautiful outdoor kitchen based right here
in Saskatoon.
To incorporate functionality into your
perfect outdoor kitchen there are even
specific cabinets and inserts to make
meal preparation and cooking a breeze.
How about including a peg board pull
out on which to hang your BBQ utensils
so they always have a place, or recycle and
garbage pull-outs for easy and stress free
clean up? There are also tray pull-outs for
additional cooking accessories. Virtually
any accessory used for your indoor
kitchen can be used outdoors. Utilizing
additions such as these make for modern
and convenient entertaining, where no
one has to go inside for anything and not
one memorable moment is missed.
Whether your new kitchen is indoors
or out, come to Saskatoon’s Huntwood
Cabinets’ showroom for a free expert
design and estimate. And with Huntwood,
you get your best cabinet value by buying
direct from the manufacturer.

FineHomes

Saskatoon

83

Decorative Framing
for Your Landscaped Masterpiece

By Alyssa Rudyck Photos Lisa Landrie Photography

Y

ou have spent hours cultivating
your garden. You have planted,
watered and tended to
transform what was once just a
patch of soil into a floral masterpiece. Your
flowerbed is your work of art, and what
work of art would be complete without
a frame to showcase it? This is where
Detailed Curbing comes in.

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FineHomes

Saskatoon

What I always tell people is that your
backyard is your canvas, and all I am doing
is putting the frame around it,” says owner
Dwayne Unruh. “It helps make everything
look neat and tidy.”
Detailed Curbing specializes in a variety
of yard-enhancing services, including
decorative concrete boarders, LED curb
lights and concrete stamps available in a

variety of colours and textures. They also
offer quotes and resealing services on
existing curbing.
What many customers are looking for
from Detailed Curbing is something to
add that finishing touch to their new or
existing yard, and to stop their grass from
growing into their flowerbed.

ABOVE Dwayne Unruh (owner)

“Concrete curbing will prevent your
plants from creeping into your lawn, or
the lawn into your flowerbed. It gives a
protective, decorative barrier,” explains
Unruh. He notes that concrete borders
can also be beneficial to the health of
your plants, allowing for higher bed fills.
“You can have at least four inches of bed
fill, which is good for the plants because it
traps in moisture.”

“I will let them know about potential
problems that could arise in the future, so
that we can accommodate, and make sure
that the durability is going to be there for
them,” says Unruh, noting that he offers a
one-year warranty on all workmanship.

In his nine years in the curbing business
Unruh has developed an eye for landscape,
and a keen ability to understand what his
customers are trying to achieve. Before
beginning the installation, he goes
through an informative consultation
process with clients to discuss potential
design options, ask questions, and really
get a feel for their yard.

“I’m always upfront and honest with
the customer. I tell them yes, it will. It is
concrete, and this is Saskatchewan,” says
Unruh, explaining that, due to our varying
and often erratic climate changes, cracks
are impossible to avoid. “However, I also
let them know that I put handling and
expansion cracks every four feet, to help
mitigate the cracking in between.”

One of the most common questions he
receives is whether or not the concrete will
be prone to cracking.

Unruh always makes time available to be
on site during installation to ensure quality.
“I take pride in my work, and treat every
yard like it’s my own. I am meticulous with
what I put in,” he comments.
Curbing is not only a relatively
inexpensive consideration in terms of
your total landscaping budget, but will
last for years, help you to maintain your
yard, and showcase that gorgeous flower
garden you have worked so hard to
perfect. Detailed Curbing is available at
any time to answer any questions. Book
your consultation today.
Detailed Curbing
306.280.4876
dwayne@detailedcurbing.com
detailedcurbing.com

FineHomes

Saskatoon

85

Why Hire

By Tori stafford

Professionals?

The old saying, “If you want a job done
right, you have to do it yourself,” has
its place — when it comes to things
like shopping, cleaning, or any other
task each individual likes done their
own way. But when it comes to home
renovations, doing the job yourself
doesn’t mean you’re doing it right.
We all know someone who’s gone
through a major renovation disaster.
If it hasn’t happened to you, it’s likely
happened to someone you know.
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Saskatoon

And if you thought trying to
install your own front porch
was a headache, imagine the
migraine that comes from
being told by a bylaw officer
your custom porch doesn’t
meet code because the spindles
in the banisters are too far
apart. From knowing when
you need a permit and how
to get one, to ensuring your
investment stands the test of
time, there are so many places
in home renovation that DIY
projects can leave you in a
messy situation.
Starting with the bottom
line — budget — there are a
plethora of reasons hiring a
professional contractor can
be more financially sound
than taking on a major task
yourself. Certainly, you
can hang a picture, but that
doesn’t mean you can hang
drywall, and doing so without
the know-how can lead to
major financial burdens.
According to the Canadian Home
Builders’ Association’s Top Ten Reasons
to Hire a Professional, liability insurance
and workers’ compensation coverage is
one reason not to overlook. We all like to
plan for our projects to take place without
issue, but if issues do arise the last thing
you need is to be absorbing the cost of
damages to your own property – or your
neighbours – in the event of an accident.
You can’t predict when a wind might
come up and blow a stack of shingles off
your roof during a project. Having the
security of knowing that the professional
you hired has coverage to protect you
from liability should that happen means
you don’t have to work double time as a
human shield for your neighbour’s BMW.
Another way that spending money to
hire a pro saves you cash in the long run
is through warranties. Most professional
renovations come with warranties on
labour, according to the Canadian Home
Builders’ Association (CHBA). This
means that, like other major consumer
purchases, the work you have done will
be guaranteed, and this guarantee will

be in writing within your contract. As
well, if you’re having something installed,
such as an air conditioning unit or a
power-saving water heater, opting to
use a professional means you won’t void
the manufacturers’ warranties on the
products you’re putting into your home.
Professional contractors also know the ins
and outs of the industry. They often have
memberships or preexisting relationships
with manufacturers or wholesale
distributors, or will receive contractor rates
on materials. These savings get passed along
to the homeowner in the long run, be it in
saving on the wood for your new deck, or
the screws to install your new garage door.
But apart from knowing what they’re
doing, saving your money and protecting
your investment, there is another perk to
using a professional for anything from
installing tile to building an addition
that might just be the best reason of all:
Having a professional do the work not
only puts your mind at ease, but it leaves
you open to do other things — like decide
what your next project should be.

s the snow melts and our
thoughts start turning to spring,
are
yoursnow
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and with
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ithstart
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you feeling
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orthe
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ask yourself these simple questions. If you
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can’t answer yes to all of them, it might be
time to reconsider and hire a professional.

W

88

FineHomes

Saskatoon

fur, right? Well, now the hottest product
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Regina
end
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HIRE A BUILDER WHO IS
PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR
PROJECT When we chose the location
for our home (infill in Mount Royal) we
knew we would need to find a professional
builder who would share our excitement
for both the type and style of project;
otherwise, it wasn’t going to come out
with the same results. We can say our
builder, Ward Homes Ltd., fulfilled every
expectation we had for our home. The
team shared our vision for the home and
helped create something unique.
ITEMS THAT WILL GIVE
YOU A GOOD RETURN ON
INVESTMENT We designed our
home for longevity — not planning on
moving, ever, if possible — so we decided
we needed to invest in a few key areas to
reduce the long-term cost of occupying
the space. Most times we think only about
what our mortgage will be and not what it
will cost to operate the home. I suggest you
consider this list of items:
•
•
•

T

his past year my family has
undertaken the challenge of
having a new home built here
in Saskatoon. We learned a few
lessons along the way and thought that
sharing them would perhaps make your
process go just a bit smoother.

KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN
You’ve heard it a hundred times, but
communication with your professional

builder is an absolute must when building
a new home. We made ourselves available
to both the builder and the tradespeople so
that if there were any details that needed
to be questioned, we could answer them.
We placed a lot of extra detailing into our
drawings to help communicate our ideas,
but still needed to be present on the job site
from time to time to clarify our requests.
MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS
EARLY I’ve worked in the home
building industry for 15 years and at times
was still overwhelmed with the number
of decisions that needed to be made for a
single home. We spent time early on in the
process — actually, before construction
even began — picking out the finish
materials for the home. If we hadn’t spent
the time early on with product selection,
we would have been holding up trades
later on in the process — not something
you want when you are trying to build on a
scheduled timeline.
BE READY FOR THE ROLLER
COASTER RIDE I’ve been asked a
number of times what it was like to have a
home built. The only thing we compare it
to would be a roller coaster ride. There are
ups, downs and sometimes when you’re
headed in one direction, you take a turn
and end up somewhere else. The entire
process can leave you feeling a little weak
in the knees, but in the end, it was a ride
we were prepared to take and we’re happy
that we did.

ome renovation can be one
of the most stressful events
in a homeowner’s life, but it
can also be one of the most
rewarding investments. Hiring a qualified
professional that understands how
important a home is to its owners is key. At
Go2Guys Inc. Shane Regush has created
a business founded on a simple concept:
doing a job the way you would want it
done if it was your own home.
Armed with a superior sense of attention
to detail (developed while working for

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his father’s housing company) and years
of experience with exteriors, Regush
decided to start his own renovation
business. Now, years later, the business is
flourishing with many specialty devisions,
a Trusted Saskatoon stamp of approval,
and a SABEX Award nomination. “What
makes us unique is our approach. We
believe in educating our clients and
communicating with them every step
of the way. They should almost be able
to do the project themselves once we’re
done going through the process,” laughs
Regush. Go2Guys does a walk through

with clients, explaining the products they
are using and why — no hidden agendas
or secrets. Taking photos every step of the
way ensures the quality of the process.
Working with homeowners, businesses
and insurance companies, Go2Guys has
developed a system that works.
Originally starting as a roofing
company, Go2Guys has branched out
to eavestroughs, soffits, fascia, siding,
stucco, stone, cladding, windows and
doors; taking the “whole home” approach
to curb appeal and home protection. By

As an insurance restoration
company we tried many different
exterior companies over the years
and were disappointed with the
workmanship. We received a
number of callbacks from unhappy
homeowners. Ever since we found
Go2Guys we haven’t had a callback
from any client about their work.
They are worth every penny invested.
— a local insurance restoration company.
doing the job right the first time, Regush and his team not
only protect a home from the elements, but protect their
client’s investment as well. They’ve seen the best and the
worst in the business, and that’s why it’s important to go to
a company who can do it all while ensuring quality every
step of the way.
The Go2Guys diﬀerence even extends to their quotes.
Clients get a comprehensive portfolio and a detailed
description to review. When the job is done, an invoice
with pictures is given to them, and the homeowner will
have explicitly approved any changes that were needed.
“We’re not the cheapest guys out there or the most
expensive. I like to think we are giving our clients steak
at a burger price � they will definitely get more than they
paid for,” remarks Regush. When choosing a bid for a
project it is important to not simply go with the cheapest;
there is usually a reason for the lower price. References
are key, and Go2Guys oﬀer visual references as well. The
company leaves no job undone, always leaving a pristine
home and yard for their clients.
“We want our customers to have piece of mind. Making
clients happy is an art to me. We go out of our way to make
sure they are getting the best work possible. Like Mike
Homes says, the client isn’t just picking a good contractor,
we choose the homeowner as well,” says Regush.
Feel secure you are getting the job done right with
Go2Guys on the job.

rior to the 21st century, stucco
was applied directly to a
buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. It had to
be applied when the weather
was warm and there was not too much
moisture in the air. Such limitations can
be managed if one lives in an area where
there is little snowfall. However, in a
country like Canada, where the winters
can be long and extremely cold with huge
banks of snow, it significantly limited the
construction season.
Over the past decade, things have started
to change. Pro-active and innovative

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companies, such as Al-Ro Acrylic Stucco
in Saskatoon, devised methods that
allowed them to install stucco yearround. This was done through the use of
tarpaulins and heaters. This method works
very well for residential and low-rise
commercial buildings. However, it is not
ideal when it comes to doing the exterior
of high-rise buildings.
Ten years ago, Durabond Products
Ltd., a company that manufactures and
distributes high quality construction
products, developed a new method of
stucco application. Known as the Durex
Integrated Building System (IBS), this new
system allows lightweight steel stud panels

to be prefabricated in a workshop within a
controlled environment and then installed
on site. This method is perfect for high rise
buildings and allows exterior construction
work to continue on them during the
winter months.
Durex IBS panels are constructed on a
steel framework with an exterior grade
gypsum board over the framing. At this
point, the Exterior Insulation and Finish
System (EIFS), as part of the panel, is used
to complete the section. EIFS consists of
several component layers. It is engineered,
manufactured and installed as a system.
It is not stucco. First, a liquid moisture
and air barrier is applied. This can also be

has not assembled the individual panels
near to the actual building site. The greater
the distance the panels have to be shipped,
the greater the likelihood that chipping or
cracking will occur.
Durabond has developed equipment, tools
and manufacturing products which are
easy to transport so that the panels can be
fabricated in a temporary workshop set up
close to the building site. Other integrated
building systems require the panels to
be prefabricated at the manufacturer’s
warehouse necessitating that the panels be
transported a great distance to the building
site. The damage which inevitably results
to many of these panels during shipment
increases building costs and time.

applied as a vapour barrier, if needed. Next
comes a layer of expanded polystyrene
insulation. Mechanical fasteners are no
longer used; a special adhesive is employed
to ensure that the building is securely
enveloped and protected. A geometricallydefined cavity is left to allow for any
drainage needs resulting from inclement
weather or the dew point related moisture.
Two layers of durable and crack-resistant
polymer-modified base coats follow with a
layer of fibreglass mesh in between them.
Finally, there are two layers of acrylic top
coats — a brush coat and an architectural
coating. EIFS greatly increases a building’s
energy efficiency over traditional methods
of stucco application. The only Quality

Assurance Program (QAP) certified EIFS
applicator company in Saskatchewan is
AL-RO Acrylic Stucco.
The panels are each designed in such a way
that they include a method for hoisting and
installation. As well, the panels are built
so that they will interface with all other
components of the exterior wall system,
such as the windows, to form a continuous
air and moisture barrier. Everything fits
together so as to be able to withstand all
applicable loads and pressures.
Once all the IBS panels have been
horizontally assembled, they are shipped
to the construction site. This is when
problems can occur if the manufacturer

AL-RO Acrylic Stucco is the only
company in Western Canada certified
to fabricate and install panels using the
mobile Durex Integrated Building System.
Al-Ro’s employees have been trained in
the system by Durabond and used the
system in constructing the exterior of the
Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Saskatoon in
late 2013. Fabrication of the panels began
in early October in a temporary workshop
set up close to the site of the hotel with the
result that none of the panels was damaged
while being transported the short distance
to the building site. By early November,
the first panels were being installed using a
crane, and by December 15, all the panels
were in place and the nearly 50,000 sq. ft.
exterior of the building completed. Use of
the Durex integrated Building System cut
down the work time by about two-thirds.
Mobile IBS has revolutionized the way of
doing exterior cladding.
The Courtyard Marriott Hotel was
the first time that a mobile integrated
building system was used within the
province. While the Durex Integrated
Building System has been in use for many
years in Ontario, particularly Toronto,
it has only recently been introduced to
Western Canada by Al-Ro Acrylic Stucco
of Saskatoon, which is the exclusive
manufacturer and installer of this
system in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and
Alberta. Al-Ro has several more mobile
IBS projects slated to begin in the near
future, including a 15 storey high rise in
Edmonton, another hotel in Saskatoon
and an office building, also in the city.

REAL ESTATE Why having a Real Estate Agent
you Trust will save you Time & Money
Saskatoon is booming! We are seeing an
increase in real estate transactions and
many people have questions about the
process. Kerri is a licensed Real Estate
agent and REALTOR® who is here to
answer some of the most common ones.
I have no problem showing my house
myself, why would I pay an agent to sell
my property?
A Realtor is a professional 3rd party
acting on your behalf. We have access
to the MLS system and will have over
500 agents in Saskatoon working to sell
your home, and can show it at any time.
We pre-screen buyers to make sure they
are qualified and financially prepared to
buy the home. We are trained to handle
objections and negotiations. Often,
owners see their home in a perfect light
while a buyer may see things that are
undesirable to them. Buyers do not want

to hurt a homeowner’s feelings and so
you will often have no idea that they
have un-revealed objections. Working
with a Realtor, a buyer is more likely to
voice their concerns giving the agent a
chance to handle the objection. Also,
buyers looking at a private sale will see
the commission savings going in to their
pocket, not yours, so you will usually
get a lower offer. Selling your home is a
major financial and legal transaction and
it should be treated professionally.
I want to sell my home and I have had
3 different agents give me 3 different
prices, why is that?
Home pricing has a few subjective
variables involved. It’s not all about
location and size! Ask how they came up
with the price and what they are going to
do to sell your home. Again, you need to
work with an agent that you trust. FHS

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you will
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Certified
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and trained
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and regulations.

Professional drafting company focusing on the best plans for your
residential construction. Aesthetically & structurally balanced designs
and 3D renderings. Routine site visits once construction begins.

uying a house is exciting. But
let’s face it, it’s also challenging
and at times can be stressful. I
can ease these pressures. When
you walk through the front door of a house
you are considering purchasing, you know
right away if it’s the home for you. Years
ago I helped a client named Loretta sell her
home by staging it with the right “fluff and
baubles” to catch potential buyers’ eyes.
It worked! In fact, after the new owners
were settled in they called me to assist with
decorating their new space, and confessed
one of the major reasons they purchased
the home was because of its presentation.
Recently, Loretta and I worked together
again. This time, we collaborated on her
newly-built home. From picking out the

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cabinetry and the countertops, to the paint
colours and furniture, this was one of my
most memorable projects. Why? Well, first
of all, Loretta and I “clicked” beautifully.
Secondly, I absolutely adore making a new
house a home!
Loretta, like each of my clients, has a
personality all unto herself and deserves to
have it reflected throughout her home. So
when we started this project it was easy to
find the finishings and the décor to bring
out the true character of the space. First we
selected the kitchen cabinetry, and played
off the vertical lines by incorporating sleek
and modern countertops. After perusing
through various paint swatches, I opted
for the modern shade to extend into the
dining area and living room.

The circular motifs that cropped up in
Loretta’s new space offer the home an
elegant yet modern feel. You can see how
this is carried on throughout the room: the
mirror, the ottoman and the end tables.
Isn’t this a spectacular look? We added a
few throw cushions with a pop of colour
to add to the comfort of the space. The end
result is truly an area where Loretta can
relax after her busy day.
Loretta recognized the value of enlisting
a professional decorator, me, to assist her
with completing her new space. The moral
of the story is: once you realize the value of
a professional’s knowledge, life gets easier…
and better. Let me help you create a home!
Call today for your consultation.

FINANCING Your

Family Dreams
As an independent, licensed mortgage professional in
Saskatoon, I am a proud partner with Dominion Lending
Centres, the #1 mortgage company in Canada.
I am dedicated to what matters most in my business: real
families, just like yours. I don’t work for the lenders, I work
with them to find the best financial solution for you.
Is it time to refinance so you can do those much needed
renovations? Are you looking to own your first home?
Is now the time to downsize or upgrade? Each of us has
different goals based on our family’s overall financial
situation. And perhaps as the single largest investment
your family may make in a lifetime, you mortgage will
play a large part in your overall financial success.
The right mortgage for your family should come on your
terms, with all the correct information up front. A great
mortgage, at the right terms and the best rate possible, could
save you tens of thousands of dollars over its lifetime, and
allow you to keep more of your money for other goals you
value most.
I would love to be your guide through an active housing
market, a complex financial market with more options than
ever, and use my experience to help you select the right
mortgage option for your unique situation.
I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your goals
and earn your family’s business.
For more free information, many useful mortgage tools and
calculators, please visit my website at wendyperry.ca.